CAN CAN SEATTLE: ABSINTHE BAR & BURLESQUE CABARET. BEST ALTERNATIVE GAY LGBT NIGHTLIFE, MODERN DANCE DRAG.
The Can Can kicks butt. Although we didn’t have the best experience with Seattle Goth clubs, Rose and I found a welcoming home on Saturday night — bursting with absinthe, burlesque, and a friendly LGBT/alternative crowd. Can Can Cabaret, we rate you a 10 out of 10!
Everyone who reads this blog knows I’m sort of obsessed with absinthe. (Type in “absinthe” in the search box on the right sidebar, and you’ll see.) We went to The Can Can two nights in a row to taste local varieties of the green fairy. Pacifique (made in Washington State) is creamy delicious, as was the last remaining bottle of Marteau (a superb label from Oregon). The bartender, Zach, impressed us with his class and skill.
The red walls and gold frames suited us very well.
We couldn’t stop smiling and cheering when The Castaways took over the stage. Their flirty, fun act defies categorization: there’s burlesque, circus acrobatics, humor, modern dance. For one song, choreographer Rainbow Fletcher stripped and bounced on this giant rocket. We loved the Siegfried and Roy parody, where a harmonic dance ends in a white tiger mauling.
The Castaways held my attention the entire time. Each act was creatively executed, with fierce costumes and a kicking soundtrack that included 1980s, electro, Dresden Dolls and Rasputina.
The Can Can Castaways bring in a breath of fresh air to stale burlesque. Watch out for this act.
Owner Chris Snell is a hyper, pink-wigged mastermind: aka the perfect host. The Can Can is truly a gem, from the open and friendly atmosphere to the absinthe and performances. We can’t wait to return!
Are you fond of burlesque? What are some of your favorite cabarets, troupes and performers?
PS: My Scottish Fold cat Basil Farrow was nominated for the 2010 meowing championship! Please VOTE for him — we must prevail! (All it takes is leaving a comment on this site; you can connect via Facebook.)
Japanese Word of the Day: Kosaji = Teaspoon
Song of the Day: Erasure – Always (The soundtrack to the Siegfried and Roy white tiger act.)
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LAFORET HARAJUKU: GOTHIC LOLITA PUNK ALTERNATIVE BOUTIQUES, TOKYO CLOTHING STORES. ROCKING HORSE SHOES, BABY THE STARS SHINE BRIGHT.
At Laforet, the Harajuku department store that stocks your favorite alt brands, I was surprised to see a gaggle of Gothic Lolita and J-rock teens on the staircase.
Pirate eye patches, striped socks and Sweet Loli JSKs?
Laforet often holds special events in the two basement floors, such as Visual Kei band signings. (There’s a Heidi x h.NAOTO event on Saturday, August 21…)
If I went to high school in Tokyo, I’d skip class and be in line!
Minnie Mouse would wear this Metamorphose temp de Fille ensemble.
The Angelic Pretty shop is the sweetest, frilliest place on the planet.
Atelier Pierrot and Alice and the Pirates are more to my liking.
I couldn’t believe my eyes… this new Lolita dress, hanging in Atelier Pierrot, had a price tag of 14,175 yen. I had found almost the exact same dress — a Metamorphose version with the same fabric — for about half the price in Closet Child! (Photos here.)
Baby, the Stars Shine Bright always has cute stocking prints. Which one would you like to wear: the playing card symbols, strawberries, cherries, or Gloomy Bear in a basket?
Hello Kitty is everywhere. What do you think of this guro-version of Kitty, which puts her in bandages and surrounds her with skulls?
Hold onto your hats — I have many more Laforet Harajuku photos for you in the next few posts. You can see photos of basically every Gothic Lolita Punk store in Tokyo in my shopping guide.
PS: please tune in to my Twitter for up-to-the-second updates about Closet Child, Tokyo life and the Pepsi TV shoot!
Japanese Word of the Day: Okotaru = Goof around
Song of the Day: Patty Ryan – Love is the Name of the Game
LA CARMINA
